Make a Style Sheet Your Memory
Create and use a style sheet that records document-specific copy-editing decisions.
A style sheet is the editor's external memory. It records the decisions that must stay consistent after page 1, after lunch, and after another editor touches the file. Use it for terms, names, capitalization, numerals, spelling variants, abbreviations, references, and exceptions to the default style guide. The point is not bureaucracy. The point is to stop small decisions from becoming hundreds of tiny risks. Capture repeatable decisions If the choice appears more than once, or could appear again, enter it. A single product name in body copy may also appear in headings, charts, alt text, links, captions, and metadata. Separate…
Sign up free — one personalized lesson every day, matched to your role and goals.
Already have an account? Sign in